Anti-Pathogenic Methods

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure teaches the protection of plants and human and non-human subjects from pathogens. The present disclosure enables a multivalent approach to inhibiting pathogen infection in plant and human and non-human animal subjects and to ameliorate damage to susceptible subjects.

FILING DATA

This application is associated with and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/729,467, filed on 23 Nov. 2012, entitled “Anti-pathogenic methods”, the entire contents of which, are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure teaches the protection of plants and human and non-human subjects from pathogens. The present disclosure enables a multivalent approach to inhibiting pathogen infection in plant and human and non-human animal subjects and to ameliorate damage to susceptible subjects.

BACKGROUND

Bibliographic details of the publications referred to by author in this specification are collected alphabetically at the end of the description.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any country.

Crop losses due to infection by plant pathogens (phytopathogens) such as fungal and insect pathogens are a major problem in the agricultural industry and each year, millions of dollars are spent on the application of fungicides to curb these losses (Oerke and Dehne (2004) Crop Protection 23:275-285). There is a need to identify new anti-phytopathogen strategies. This is particularly important given the propensity for pathogens to develop resistance. Fungal infection of human and non-human subjects can also lead to significant discomfort and major health issues. Pathogenic fungi are also a serious concern for human health and for the economy. Human fungal pathogens cause life-threatening hospital-acquired diseases with high mortality rates as well as less severe superficial infections.

Plants have evolved to produce peptides to protect against pathogens. Their specificity is likely influenced by the evolutionary in response to exposure to various pathogens.

Plant defensins represent one type of anti-pathogen molecule. There is a wide variety of defensins with differing spatial and temporal patterns of expression and spectra of activity. Generally, plant defensins are divided into two major classes. Class I defensins consist of an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) sequence followed by a mature defensin domain. Class II defensins are produced as larger precursors with C-terminal pro-domains or pro-peptides (CTPPs) of about 33 amino acids in addition to the ER signal sequence and mature domain.

The mechanism underlying the specificity of these peptides is yet to be fully elucidated, although interactions with plasma membrane components are presumed to be involved. Since membrane permeabilization is a common activity of many anti-pathogen peptides and the membrane composition of various cell types is highly variable, the presence of specific lipids is postulated in some cases to be responsible for the efficacy of anti-pathogen peptides.

Plant pathogens induce significant plant yield loss and current strategies for pathogen control are both expensive and potentially damaging to the environment. Given the need to improve the economy of agriculture production, new strategies are required for protecting agronomic and ornamentally important plants from a range of diseases, especially fungal disease. Pathogenic fungi are also a serious concern for human health and for the economy. Current therapies require long treatment regimes and patients often suffer from associated liver toxicity. Resistance to current therapies is also developing creating a need for novel therapeutics.

SUMMARY

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or method step or group of elements or integers or method steps but not the exclusion of any element or integer or method step or group of elements or integers or method steps.

As used in the subject specification, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include singular and plural aspects unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a permeabilizing defensin” includes a single permeabilizing defensin, as well as two or more permeabilizing defensins; reference to “an agent” includes a single agent, as well as two or more agents; reference to “the invention” includes a single or multiple aspects taught by the disclosure. Aspects disclosed herein are encompassed by the term “invention”. All aspects of the invention are enabled within the width of the claims.

Nucleotide and amino acid sequences are referred to by a sequence identifier number (SEQ ID NO). The SEQ ID NOs correspond numerically, to the sequence identifiers <400>1 (SEQ ID NO:1), <400>2 (SEQ ID NO:2), etc. A summary of sequence identifiers is provided in Table 1.

Disclosed herein is a method for reducing damage to crops and ornamental plants caused by pathogens such as fungal and insect agents. The traditional method of control involves application of chemical fungicides. This adds to the cost of crop and flower production. In accordance with the present disclosure, a surprising synergy is identified between a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin resulting in increased efficacy in preventing and ameliorating fungal and insect disease conditions in plants. The method is also applicable to treating or preventing pathogen infestation in human and non-human animal subjects. Reference to a “Class I” defensin includes permeabilizing and non-permeabilizing defensins. Hence, one or more permeabilizing defensins may be employed. Reference to a “permeabilizing defensin” includes a Class I defensin, a Class II defensin and a variant defensin, which is a permeabilizing defensin. A “variant” defensin includes a defensin wherein a Loop 1B region from a Class II defensin is replaced by a Loop 1B region from a Class I defensin or the Class II Loop 1B region is otherwise subject to one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions. The Loop 1B region is located between the first β-strand (β-strand 1) and the α-helix on the defensin N-terminal end portion (also referred to as the first flexible loop).

As indicated above, plant defensins are divided into two major classes. Class I defensins consist of an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) signal sequence followed by a mature defensin domain. Class II defensins are produced as larger precursors with C-terminal pro-domains or pro-peptides (CTPPs) of about 33 amino acids in addition to the ER signal sequence and mature domain.

Synergy is classified as the difference between the observed % fungal growth inhibition caused by the combination of two defensins (Io value) and the expected % fungal growth inhibition of the two defensins based on the sum of the % fungal growth inhibition of each defensin on its own (Ee value calculated according to the Limpel formula used by Richer et al. (1987) Pestic Sci 19:309-315). The difference, Io-Ee, is the synergy value. A synergy value up to 15 means no significant synergy; 15-30 is a low level of synergy; 30-60 is a medium level of synergy; and >60 is a high level of synergy.

Accordingly, the present disclosure teaches a method for protecting a plant from a disease associated with infection by a pathogen, the method comprising providing cells with a Class I plant defensin and a permeabilizing defensin or a precursor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of either or both. In an embodiment, the plant pathogen is a fungus. In another embodiment, the plant pathogen is an insect. Reference to a “plant” includes in one aspect, a genetically modified plant comprising cells which produce the Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin wherein cells, prior to genetic modification, do not produce either defensin. Reference to a “plant” includes, progeny of the genetically modified plant which comprise cells which produce one or other or both of the defensins as a result of the genetic modification of the parent. The production of the two defensins resulting from the genetic modification of the parent and this trait passed on to the progeny confers a resistance to the fungal or insect pathogen to a level not observed in plants which do not produce both defensins. A Class I defensin may be a permeabilizing defensin or a non-permeabilizing defensin. The present disclosure further teaches a method for protecting a human or non-human animal subject from a disease associated with infection by a pathogen, the method comprising providing cells with a Class I plant defensin and a permeabilizing defensin or a precursor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of either or both. In an embodiment, the pathogen is a fungus. Reference to a non-human animal subject includes a farm animal (e.g. cow, sheep, pig, horse, donkey, Llama, alpaca, avian animal), domestic animal (e.g. dogs, cat), laboratory test animal (e.g. mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, hamster, non-human primate) and captured wild animal.

The term “genetic modification” means that a plant or plant cell is genetically modified by recombinant DNA technology to introduce genetic material encoding both defensins. Alternatively, this technology is used to introduce genetic material encoding at least one defensin, and conventional breeding is used to introduce another defensin gene.

In an embodiment, the Class I defensin is a permeabilizing defensin. In another embodiment, the Class I defensin is a non-permeabilizing defensin. In an embodiment, the second permeabilizing defensin is selected from a Class I, Class II or variant defensin.

The present disclosure enables a method for protecting a plant from infection by a fungal or insect pathogen and/or for reducing the incidence of severity of fungal or insect pathogen-associated disease. The instant disclosure is also useful for reducing fungal or insect infestation on the plant and/or its surrounding root system or soil to an acceptable level. The method encompasses a multivalent approach of using a combination of at least one Class I defensin and one permeabilizing defensin. An example of the latter permeabilizing defensin is a Class I, Class II or variant defensin. Variant defensins are taught in PCT/AU2012/000112, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Unexpectedly, the combined action of a given Class I defensin and a given permeabilizing defensin on a given fungal or insect pathogen is synergistic, i.e. the anti-pathogen activity of the (at least) two components is greater than the sum of the inhibitory effects of either defensin acting alone when they are combined in the plant environment. The level of synergy is from low to high.

Hence, the present disclosure is instructional for a method for protecting a plant from a disease associated with infection by a fungal or insect pathogen, the method comprising providing cells of the plants with a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin or a precursor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of either or both in a synergistically effective amount to reduce infection by the pathogen.

Reference to a “method” in this context includes a plant management system, a protocol and a procedure. As indicated above, in an embodiment, the pathogen is a fungal pathogen. In another embodiment, the pathogen is an insect pathogen.

Reference to “providing cells of the plant” includes providing the two defensins from an exogenous source, or providing both from within the cell (via genetic modification) or providing one exogenously and one intracellularly. Hence, topical application and genetic engineering may be used and optionally further including conventional breeding to genetic plants exposed to both defensins. Further enabled herein is a topical seed coating comprising the combination of two defensins or the topical application of one defensin to a plant or plant seed engineered to express the other defensin.

Further enabled herein is a method for protecting a human or non-human animal subject from a disease associated with infection by a fungal or insect pathogen, the method comprising providing cells of the human or non-human animal with a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin or a precursor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of either or both in a synergistically effective amount to reduce infection by the pathogen.

The present disclosure further contemplates the use of a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin or a precursor form of either or both in, the manufacture of a genetically modified plant which is less susceptible to fungal or insect infestation or exhibits less fungal or insect infestation-associated damage.

The present disclosure further contemplates the use of a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin or a precursor form of either or both in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a fungal infestation in a human or non-human animal subject.

In an embodiment, a method is provided for protecting crop or ornamental plants from fungal or insect challenge, comprising providing to the plant a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin or functional homologs, analogs or variants or equivalents thereof. In this embodiment, the extent of fungal or insect inhibition by both components is considered synergistic compared to the combined separate effects of each component alone. In an embodiment, there is synergistic inhibition of Fusarium species by a combination of at least one Class I defensin, and at least one permeabilizing defensin. Examples of Class I defensins include hordothionin (γ1-H), zeathionin (γ-Zea2), PsD1, DmAMP1, SBI6, VP42, VP45, VP135, RsAFP2, MsDef1, MtDef2, MtDef4, HsAFP1, VaD2, VrD2, ZmESR6 and a HXL defensin (see Table 2). Examples of a permeabilizing defensin include NaD1, TPP3, PhD1A, PhD2, HXL001, HXL002, HXL004, HXL007, HXL008, HXP4, HXP34 and HXP35 and NoD173 (see Table 2). The subject method may also additionally include the use of a proteinase inhibitor or a precursor form thereof such as a cysteine or serine proteinase inhibitor (e.g. potato StPin1A [previously referred to as Pot1A (U.S. Pat. No. 7,462,695)]), HvCPI6, SICys9, At2g38870, bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) or bovine trypsin inhibitor I-P. Any fungus or insect individually susceptible to inhibition by each of the components of the system can be more effectively controlled by using the combination than by either component used by itself. Particularly useful combinations include HXP4, NaD1, HXL004, HXL001 and/or HXL008 as a permeabilizing defensin and HXL012, HXL015, SB16, HXL009, HXL008 and/or HXL021 as the Class I defensin.

The instant disclosure further provides a method for protecting a plant from a disease associated with infection by a fungal or insect pathogen. The method comprises providing cells of a plant with a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin and optionally a proteinase inhibitor or a precursor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of any one or all of these components.

The multivalent approach of the present method comprises a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin acting synergistically together or further comprising a proteinase inhibitor or a precursor form thereof. These components may be produced by recombinant means within a plant cell or may be provided to a plant cell topically such as in the form of a spray, aerosol, powder or as part of fertilizer or plant food. As indicated above, in yet another alternative, one component is provided by recombinant means and another component is provided exogenously. Topical seed coatings, are enabled herein. Both defensins may be applied to the seed coat or one defensin is topically applied to a plant or seed which has been engineered to express another defensin. In an embodiment, one or other defensin is provided by genetic engineering means and the other defensin is introduced by conventional breeding.

Another aspect taught herein is a method for inhibiting fungal or insect growth, replication, infection and/or maintenance, the method comprising exposing the fungus or insect to a combination of a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin. A proteinase inhibitor or precursor form thereof may also be used. This applies to plants and human and non-human animal subjects.

Again, the extent of fungal or insect inhibition in the presence of both defensins is synergistic as compared to the sum of inhibition provided by either component in individual contact with the fungus at the same dose used for the combined exposure.

A fungus or an insect is “susceptible to inhibition” by each of the individual components of the system if it can be shown that each component individually exerts an inhibitory activity against the fungus or insect, or the components in combination exert a combined inhibitory effect that is synergistic.

Chimeric defensin molecules and/or defensin variants which retain anti-fungal activity can also be employed in the present method for plant protection based on whether the chimeric defensin is regarded as a Class I defensin or a permeabilizing defensin or both.

Further enabled herein is a multigene expression vehicle (MGEV) comprising a polynucleotide having 2 to 8 domain segments, each domain encoding a functional protein wherein at least one domain encodes a Class I defensin and at least one other domain encodes a permeabilizing defensin, each domain being joined to the next in a linear sequence by a linker sequence encoding a linker peptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:86. The MGEV vector is disclosed in USSN 2007-0277263, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment, at least one other domain encodes a proteinase inhibitor or a precursor form thereof.

The linker peptide comprises the amino acid sequence X₁X₂X₃X₄X₅ (SEQ ID NO:86) wherein:

-   X₁=E or D -   X₂=E or D -   X₃=K or R -   X₄=K or R -   X₅=Nor Q.

The present disclosure further teaches the use of a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin and optionally a proteinase inhibitor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of any one or all of these components in the manufacture of a genetically modified plant or its progeny resistant to fungal or insect pathogen infestation.

The present disclosure further teaches the use of a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin and optionally a proteinase inhibitor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of any one or all of these components in a human or non-human animal subject or its progeny resistant to fungal or insect pathogen infestation.

Proteinase inhibitors useful in embodiments of the present method include but are not limited to cysteine and serine proteinase inhibitors.

Plants which can be protected from fungal or insect infestation by the instant method include those which are susceptible to a fungus or insect which is sensitive to a proteinase inhibitor and a plant defensin which can be expressed as transgenes in that plant or to which a composition comprising the defensin and proteinase inhibitor, can be applied.

A combined transgene and topical application approach is also contemplated herein. A “topical application approach” includes seed coatings. The proteinase inhibitor is generally a protein or a peptide or a chemical analog thereof. The plant can be a monocotyledonous plant or dicotyledonous plant. Particular plants include corn (maize), soybean, cotton, canola and wheat and the like, as well as plants of the families Solanaceae, Brassicaceae, Malvaceae, and Fabaceae.

Infection and damage from many fungal pathogens, especially those which are filamentous fungi, can be controlled in many plant species using the present system. Examples of controllable fungal and oomycete pathogens include, but are not limited to, Fusarium, Verticillium, Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Sclerotinia, Leptosphaeria, Phytophthora, Colletotrichum, Cercospora and Alternaria species, and rust fungi. Important applications include, without being limiting, the synergistic combinations of a proteinase inhibitor and an antifungal defensin used, e.g. to protect plants from Fusarium graminearum (Fgr), Fusarium oxysporum f sp. vasinfectum (Fov), Colletotrichum graminicola (Cgr), Leptosphaeria maculans, Alternaria brassicicola, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus nidulans, Botrytis cinerea, Cercospora beticola, Cercospora zeae maydis, Cochliobolus heterostrophus, Exserohilum turcicum, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium oxysporum f sp. dianthi, Fusarium oxysporum f sp. lycopersici, Fusarium solani, Fusarium pseudograminearum, Fusarium verticilloides (Fve), Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici, Plasmodiophora brassicae, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Stenocarpella (Diplodia) maydis; Thielaviopsis basicola, Verticillium dahliae, Ustilago zeae, Puccinia sorghi, Macrophomina phaseolina, Phialophora gregata, Diaporthe phaseolorum, Cercospora sojina, Phytophthora sojae, Rhizoctonia solani, Phakopsora pachyrhizi, Alternaria macrospora, Cercospora gossypina, Phoma exigua, Puccinia schedonnardii, Puccinia cacabata, Phymatotrichopsis omnivora, Fusarium avenaceum, Alternaria brassicae, Alternaria raphani, Erysiphe graminis (Blumeria graminis), Septoria tritici, Septoria nodorum; Mycosphaerella zeae, Rhizoctonia cerealis, Ustilago tritici, Puccinia graminis, Puccinia triticina, Tilletia indica, Tilletia caries, and Tilletia controversa.

Insect pathogens include Diatraea grandiosella, Ostrinia nubialis, Rhopalosiphum spp, Helicoverpa spp, Plutella xylostella and Lygus spp.

Agronomic compositions comprising a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin or anti-fungal or anti-insect homologs, analogs, variants and functional equivalents thereof or their precursor forms are also contemplated herein. The compositions may also include a proteinase inhibitor or a precursor form thereof. An agronomic composition includes a seed coating formulation.

A protocol for managing plant pathogen infection of plants is further contemplated herein comprising the manipulation of a plant environment to provide a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin in amounts which inhibit the pathogen.

Reference to “plant pathogen” in a particular embodiment includes a fungus and an insect or other related organisms. A fungus includes a rust. Generally, when the method comprises genetically modifying plants to express both defensins, the term “plant” includes its progeny. When the method comprises topically applying a combination of defensins, the effect is generally limited to a particular plant.

Whilst the instant disclosure is particularly directed to anti-phytopathogenic methods, the multivalent approach may also be used in human and non-human subjects, including farm animals, domestic animals, laboratory test animals and captured wild animals. Generally, a topical approach is used in these circumstances. Commonly, the multivalent approach in human and non-human subjects target inter alia yeasts such as Candida and Cryptococcus, dermatophytes such as Trichophyton including Trichophyton interdigitale and Trichophyton rubrum and other filamentous fungi including Aspergillus spp such as Aspergillus niger.

Further enabled herein is a method for protecting a plant from a disease associated with infection by a pathogen, the method comprising providing cells of the place with a Class I defensin having a mature domain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:81, 83, 85, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, 66 and 69, a permeabilizing defensin having a mature domain selected from the listing consisting of NaD1, TPP3; PhD1A, PhD2, NoD173, SEQ ID NOs:3, 6, 12, 21, 24, 70, 71 and 72 or a precursor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of either or both.

Further enabled herein is a method for protecting a plant from a disease associated with infection by a pathogen, the method comprising providing cells of the place with a Class I defensin having a mature domain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:81, 83, 85, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, 66 and 69, a permeabilizing defensin having a mature domain selected from the listing consisting of SEQ ID NOs:3, 6, 12, 21, 24, 70, 71 and 72 or a precursor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of either or both.

Further enabled herein is a method for protecting a human or non-human animal subject from a disease associated with infection by a pathogen, the method comprising providing cells of the place with a Class I defensin having a mature domain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:81, 83, 85, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, 66 and 69, a permeabilizing defensin having a mature domain selected from the listing consisting of NaD1, TPP3, PhD1A, PhD2, NoD173, SEQ ID NOs:3, 6, 12, 21, 24, 70, 71 and 72 or a precursor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of either or both.

TABLE 1 Summary of Sequence Identifiers Peptide Source Sequence type Sequence ID HXL001 Zea mays Full length nucleic acid SEQ ID NO: 1 (NA) Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 2 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 3 HXL002 Triticum aestivum Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 4 Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 5 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 6 HXL003 Triticum aestivum Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 7 Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 8 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 9 HXL004 Nicotiana benthamiana Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 10 Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 11 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 12 HXL005 Taraxacum kok-saghyz Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 13 Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 14 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 15 HXL006 Triticum aestivum Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 16 Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 17 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 18 HXL007 Cyamopsis Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 19 tetragonoloba Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 20 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 21 HXL008 Picramnia pentandra Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 22 Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 23 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 24 HXL009 Zea mays Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 25 Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 26 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 27 HXL010 Triticum aestivum Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 28 Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 29 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 30 HXL011 Eucalyptus grandis Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 31 Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 32 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 33 HXL012 Amaranthus retroflexus Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 34 Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 35 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 36 HXL013 Glycine max Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 37 Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 38 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 39 HXL014 Tulipa gesneriana Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 40 Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 41 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 42 HXL015 Oryza sativa Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 43 Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 44 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 45 HXL016 Triticum aestivum Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 46 Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 47 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 48 HXL017 Zea mays Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 49 Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 50 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 51 HXL018 Parthenium argentatum Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 52 Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 53 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 54 HXL019 Nicotiana benthamiana Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 55 Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 56 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 57 HXL020 Triticum aestivum Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 58 Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 59 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 60 HXL021 Arachis hypogaea Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 61 Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 62 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 63 HXL022 Cyamopsis Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 64 tetragonoloba Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 65 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 66 HXL023 Triticum aestivum Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 67 Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 68 Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 69 HXP4 Artificial Protein SEQ ID NO: 70 HXP34 Artificial Protein SEQ ID NO: 71 HXP35 Artificial Protein SEQ ID NO: 72 HXP37 Artificial Protein SEQ ID NO: 73 HXP58 Artificial Protein SEQ ID NO: 74 HXP72 Artificial Protein SEQ ID NO: 75 HXP91 Artificial Protein SEQ ID NO: 76 HXP92 Artificial Protein SEQ ID NO: 77 HXP95 Artificial Protein SEQ ID NO: 78 HXP107 Artificial Protein SEQ ID NO: 79 VP42 Triticum aestivum Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 80 VP42 Triticum aestivum Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 81 VP45 Zea mays Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 82 VP45 Zea mays Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 83 VP135 Picramnia pentandra Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 84 VP135 Picramnia pentandra Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 85 Linker Artificial — SEQ ID NO: 86 (for a MGEV) HXL032 Triticum aestivum Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 87 HXL032 Triticum aestivum Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 88 HXL032 Triticum aestivum Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 89 HXL033 Parthenium argentatum Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 90 HXL033 Parthenium argentatum Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 91 HXL033 Parthenium argentatum Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 92 HXL034 Nicotiana benthamiana Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 93 HXL034 Nicotiana benthamiana Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 94 HXL034 Nicotiana benthamiana Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 95 NoD173 Nicotiana occidentalis Full length NA SEQ ID NO: 96 NoD173 Nicotiana occidentalis Full length protein SEQ ID NO: 97 NoD173 Nicotiana occidentalis Mature domain SEQ ID NO: 98

TABLE 2 Examples of plant defensins Type Accession (Class I, Class H Peptide Source number or variant) Permeabilizing Reference NaD1 Nicotiana alata Q8GTM0 Class II Yes Lay et al, 2003 PhD1A Petunia hybrida Q8H6Q1 Class II Yes Lay et al, 2003 PhD2 Petunia hybrida Q8H6Q0 Class II Yes Lay et al, 2003 TPP3 Solanum lycopersicum AAA80496 Class II Yes Milligan & Gasser, 1995 MtDef4 Medicago truncatula Class I Sagaram et al, 2011 VP42 Triticum aestivum Class I No SEQ ID NO: 81 VP45 Zea mays Class I No SEQ ID NO: 83 VP135 Picramnia pentandra Class I No SEQ ID NO: 85 SBI6 Glycine max Class I SEQ ID NO: 39 γ1-H Hordeum vulgare P20230 Class I No Mendez et al, 1990 γ-Zea2 Zea mays P81009 Class I Castro et al, 1996 RsAFP2 Raphanus sativus P30230 Class I No Terras et al, 1992 DmAMP1 Dahlia merckii AAB34972 Class I No Osborn et al, 1995 MsDefl Medicago sativa AAV85437 Class I Hanks et al, 2005 MtDef2 Medicago truncatula AY313169 Class I Spelbrink et al, 2004 PsD1 Pisum sativum P81929 Class I Almeida et al, 2000 HsAFP1 Heuchera sanguinea AAB34974 Class I Osborn et al, 1995 VaD1 Vigna angularis n/a Class I Chen et al, 2005 VrD2 Vigna radiata 2GL1_A Class I Lin et al, 2007 ZmESR6 Zea mays CAH61275 Class I Balandin et al, 2005 HXL001 Zea mays — Class I Yes SEQ ID NO: 3 HXL002 Triticum aestivum — Class I Yes SEQ ID NO: 6 HXL003 Triticum aestivum — Class I SEQ ID NO: 9 HXL004 Nicotiana benthamiana — Class I Yes SEQ ID NO: 12 HXL005 Taraxacum kok-saghyz — Class I No SEQ ID NO: 15 HXL006 Triticum aestivum — Class I SEQ ID NO: 18 HXL007 Cyamopsis tetragonoloba — Class I Yes SEQ ID NO: 21 HXL008 Picramnia pentandra — Class I Yes SEQ ID NO: 24 HXL009 Zea mays — Class I No SEQ ID NO: 27 HXL010 Triticum aestivum — Class 1 SEQ ID NO: 30 HXL011 Eucalyptus grandis — Class I SEQ ID NO: 33 HXL012 Amaranthus retrollexus — Class I SEQ ID NO: 36 HXL013 Glycine max — Class I Yes SEQ ID NO: 39 HXL014 Tulipa gesneriana — Class I SEQ ID NO: 42 HXL015 Oryza sativa — Class I No SEQ ID NO: 45 HXL016 Triticum aestivum — Class I SEQ ID NO: 48 HXL017 Zea mays — Class I SEQ ID NO: 51 HXL018 Parthenium argentatum — Class I SEQ ID NO: 54 HXL019 Nicotiana benthamiana — Class I SEQ ID NO: 57 HXL020 Triticum aestivum — Class I SEQ ID NO: 60 HXL021 Arachis hypogaea — Class I No SEQ ID NO: 63 HXL022 Cyamopsis tetragonoloba — Class I SEQ ID NO: 66 HXL023 Triticum aestivum — Class I SEQ ID NO: 69 HXP4 Artificial Variant Yes SEQ ID NO: 70 HXP34 Artificial Variant Yes SEQ ID NO: 71 HXP35 Artificial Variant Yes SEQ ID NO: 72 HXP37 Artificial Variant SEQ ID NO: 73 HXP58 Artificial Variant SEQ ID NO: 74 HXP72 Artificial Variant SEQ ID NO: 75 HXP91 Artificial Variant SEQ ID NO: 76 HXP92 Artificial Variant SEQ ID NO: 77 HXP95 Artificial Variant SEQ ID NO: 78 HXP107 Artificial Variant SEQ ID NO: 79 HXL032 Triticum aestivum Class I SEQ ID NO: 89 HXL033 Parathenium argentatum Class I SEQ ID NO: 92 HXL034 Nicotiana benthamiana Class I SEQ ID NO: 95 NoD173 Nicotiana occidentalis sppoblique Class II Yes SEQ ID NO: 98

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a graphical representation showing the results of a permeabilization assay on Fov hyphae demonstrating the difference between permeabilizing (NaD1, HXP4, HXL002, HXL007 and HXL008) and non-permeabilizing (DmAMP1) defensins.

FIG. 2 is a graphical representation showing the results of a permeabilization assay on Fgr hyphae demonstrating the difference between permeabilizing (NaD1, HXP4, HXL002, HXL004, HXL008 and HXL013) and non-permeabilizing (Hordothionin, RsAFP2, HXL009 and HXL021) defensins.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A phytopathogenic fungus includes but is not limited to Fusarium graminearum (Fgr), Fusarium oxysporum f sp. vasinfectum (Fov), Colletotrichum graminicola (Cgr), Leptosphaeria maculans, Alternaria brassicicola, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus nidulans, Botrytis cinerea, Cercospora beticola, Cercospora zeae maydis, Cochliobolus heterostrophus, Exserohilum turcicum, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium oxysporum f sp. dianthi, Fusarium oxysporum f sp. lycopersici, Fusarium solani, Fusarium pseudograminearum, Fusarium verticilloides (Fve), Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici, Plasmodiophora brassicae, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Stenocarpella (Diplodia) maydis, Thielaviopsis basicola, Verticillium dahliae, Ustilago zeae, Puccinia sorghi, Macrophomina phaseolina, Phialophora gregata, Diaporthe phaseolorum, Cercospora sojina, Phytophthora sojae, Rhizoctonia solani, Phakopsora pachyrhizi, Alternaria macrospora, Cercospora gossypina, Phoma exigua, Puccinia schedonnardii, Puccinia cacabata, Phymatotrichopsis omnivora, Fusarium avenaceum, Alternaria brassicae, Alternaria raphani, Erysiphe graminis (Blumeria graminis), Septoria tritici, Septoria nodorum, Mycosphaerella zeae, Rhizoctonia cerealis, Ustilago tritici, Puccinia graminis, Puccinia triticina, Tilletia indica, Tilletia caries and Tilletia.

A fungal pathogen of human and non-human subjects includes yeasts such as Candida and Cryptococcus, dermatophytes such as Trichophyton such as Trichophyton interdigitale and Trichophyton rubrum and other filamentous fungi including Aspergillus spp such as Aspergillus niger.

A phytopathogenic insect includes Diatraea grandiosella, Ostrinia nubialis, Rhopalosiphum spp, Helicoverpa spp, Plutella xylostella and Lygus spp.

Reference to “variant” includes a derivative of a particular sequence as well as a natural variant such as a polymorphic variant. It also includes synthetic variants such as defensins comprising a heterologous domain or loop such as from another defensin, such as described in PCT/AU2012/000112, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The inhibitory effect of a given pair of defensins is proposed herein to be synergistic. Greco et al. (1995) Pharmacol Rev 47:331-385 has defined different categories of synergy, according to whether one, both or neither of the two components has measurable activity when assayed in the absence of the other component. The definition adopted herein includes all such situations provided that the combined effect of the two components acting together is greater than the sum of the individual components acting alone. It will be understood that a synergistic combination of two or more components may yield greater than additive activity only under certain conditions; e.g. when one or more of the components is present at a lower concentration than is maximal for individual efficacy. A combination of components is deemed synergistic, as the term is intended herein, if there exists a set of conditions, including but not limited to concentrations, where the combined effect of the components acting together is greater than the sum of the individual components acting alone. Richer (1987) supra describes a mathematical approach to establish proof of synergy. This approach uses Limpel's formula which is defined in Richer (1987) supra and was used by Harman et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,512,166 to prove synergy between fungal cell wall degrading enzymes and fungal cell membrane affecting compounds on the growth of plant pathogenic fungi. A similar approach can be used for insects.

Synergy is classified as the difference between the observed % fungal growth inhibition caused by the combination of two defensins (Io value) and the expected % fungal growth inhibition of the two defensins based on the sum of the % fungal growth inhibition of each defensin on its own (Ee value calculated according to the Limpel formula used by Richer et al. (1987) supra). The difference, Io-Ee, is the synergy value. A synergy value up to 15 means no significant synergy; 15-30 is a low level of synergy; 30-60 is a medium level of synergy; and >60 is a high level of synergy.

“Fungal inhibition” includes both fungicidal and fungi static activity, as measured by reduction of fungal growth (or loss of viability) compared to a control. Fungal growth can be measured by many different methods known in the art. A commonly used method of measuring growth of a filamentous fungus entails germinating spores in a suitable growth medium, incubating for a time sufficient to achieve measurable growth, and measuring increased optical density in the culture after a specified incubation time. The optical density is increased with increased growth. Typically, fungal growth is necessary for pathogenesis. Therefore, inhibition of fungal growth provides a suitable indicator for protection from fungal disease, i.e. the greater the inhibition, the more effective the protection. Similarly, “insect inhibition” include both insecticidal and insectistatic activity. Anti-insect activity can be usefully measured in feeding trials.

“Preventing infection” in the present context, means that the plants or human or non-human animal subjects treated by the method of the present invention, avoid pathogen infection or disease symptoms or all of the above, or exhibit reduced or minimized or less frequent pathogen infection or disease symptoms or all of the above, that are the natural outcome of the subject-pathogen interactions when compared to plants not expressing the two defensin transgenes or treated with the two defensins. That is to say, pathogens are prevented or reduced from causing disease and/or the associated disease symptoms.

Infection and/or symptoms are reduced at least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% or 80% or greater as compared to a plant not so treated with the method taught herein. In an aspect, the method herein disclosed results in reduced sporulation of the pathogenic fungus to a greater extent in the presence of both defensins.

Hence, the combined action of the defensins is to inhibit fungal growth, replication, infection and/or maintenance, amongst other inhibitory activities and/or to inhibit insect infestation.

Plant protection (disease resistance or reduction) can be evaluated by methods known in the art. See, Uknes (1993) Molecular Plant Microbe Interactions 6:680-685; Gorlach et al. (1996) Plant Cell 8:629-643; Alexander et al. (1993) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 90:7327-7331. The skilled artisan will recognize that methods for determining plant infection and disease by a plant pathogen depends on the pathogen and plant being tested.

Reference to a “Class I” defensin includes permeabilizing and non-permeabilizing defensins. Reference to a “permeabilizing defensin” includes a Class I defensin, a Class II defensin and a variant defensin, which is a permeabilizing defensin. A “variant” defensin includes a defensin wherein a Loop 1B region from a Class II defensin is replaced by a Loop 1B region on a Class I defensin or the Class II Loop 1B region is otherwise subject to one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions. The Loop 1B region is located between the first n-strand (β-strand 1) and the α-helix on the defensin N-terminal end portion (also referred to as the first flexible loop). As indicated above, plant defensins are divided into two major classes. Class I defensins consist of an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) sequence followed by a mature defensin domain. Class II defensins are produced as larger precursors with C-terminal pro-domains or pro-peptides (CTPPs) of about 33 amino acids in addition to the ER signal sequence and mature domain.

A permeabilizing defensin is one which permits entry of a DNA-binding dye such as SYTOX (Registered Trade Mark) into hyphal cells. For example, hyphae are grown and incubated with the DNA binding dye for 10 minutes prior to addition of a peptide to be tested for its ability to be permeabilizing. DNA-binding dye-uptake is then measured. In the case of SYTOX, measurement is by fluorescence with excitation and emission wavelengths of 488 nm and 538 nm, respectively. Conveniently, the permeabilizing assay is conducted using Fusarium oxysporum f sp. vasinfectum (Fov). In this assay, the permeabilizing defensin NaD1 is set as 1.0 and any defensin peptide giving a permeability index greater than 0.12 is regarded as a permeabilizing defensin. See FIG. 1 and Table 12a. More information can be found in PCT/AU2009/000106.

Another assay involves Fusarium graminearum (Fgr), again using NaD1 as the positive control, set at a permeabilization index of 1.0. See FIG. 2 and Table 12b.

Reference to a Class I defensin includes hordothionin (γ1-H), zeathionin (γ-Zea2), PsD1, DmAMP1, SBI6, VP42, VP45, VP135, RsAFP2, MsDef1, MtDef2, MtDef4, HsAFP1, VaD2, VrD2, ZmESR6 or a HXL defensin (see Table 2). Reference to a permeabilizing defensin includes Class II defensins such as NaD1, TPP3, PhD1A or PhD2, NoD173, Class I defensins such as HXL001, HXL002, HXL004, HXL007 or HXL008 or variant defensins such as HXP4, HXP34 or HXP35 (see Table 2). Particularly useful combinations include HXP4, NaD1, HXL004, HXL001 and/or HXL008 as a permeabilizing defensin and HXL012, HXL015, SB16, HXL009, HXL008 and/or HXL021 as the Class I defensin.

Further enabled herein is a method for protecting a plant or human or non-human animal subject from a disease associated with infection by a pathogen, the method comprising providing cells of the place with a Class I defensin having a mature domain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:81, 83, 85, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, 66 and 69, a permeabilizing defensin having a mature domain selected from the listing consisting of NaD1, TPP3, PhD1A, PhD2, NoD173, SEQ ID NOs:3, 6, 12, 21, 24, 70, 71 and 72 or a precursor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of either or both.

Further enabled herein is a method for protecting a plant or human or non-human animal subject from a disease associated with infection by a pathogen, the method comprising providing cells of the place with a Class I defensin having a mature domain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:81, 83, 85, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, 66 and 69, a permeabilizing defensin having a mature domain selected from the listing consisting of SEQ ID NOs:3, 6, 12, 21, 24, 70, 71 and 72 or a precursor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of either or both.

The term “proteinase inhibitor” is used herein to include proteins or peptides used to inhibit the activity of fungal or insect proteinases and to protect plants or human or non-human animal subjects from fungal or insect disease. Chemical analogs or functional equivalents of the proteinase inhibitors are also encompassed herein.

The proteinase inhibitor may also be provided in a precursor form which is processed into an active form prior to being effective.

Cysteine proteinase inhibitors, or cystatins, are tight and reversibly binding inhibitors of cysteine proteases. They comprise a super family subdivided into three families: the stefins, the cystatins and the kininogens (Turk and Bode (1991) FEBS Lett. 285:213-219).

Serine proteinase inhibitors, or serine endopeptidases, cleave peptide bonds in which serine serves as the nucleophilic amino acid. There are generally two categories: chymotrypsin-like, which includes trypsin-like chymotroypsin-like and elastase-like; and subtilisin-like (Madala et al. (2010) Chem Rev 110(6):1-31).

A “synergistic effect” occurs where two or more components within the method produce a combined effect that is greater than the sum of the individual effects of each component acting alone. The effect may be one or more of efficacy, stability, rate, and/or level of toxicity. As described herein, synergistic pathogen growth inhibition measured in the combined presence of a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin is greater than the summed inhibition measured in the presence of a particular concentration range of each defensin component, individually, under otherwise identical conditions. It will be understood that it is not necessary that a greater than additive effect be observed with every combination of concentrations of the two components in order to be deemed synergistic. The synergistic effect of two components can be observed under certain concentration combinations, but not in others. For example, if the inability to enter the fungal cell limits toxicity, the presence of a permeabilizing defensin can result in synergy with respect to a second defensin, especially if the concentration of defensin is sub-maximal with respect to inhibition. In an embodiment, the concentration of one or both of the defensin(s) is sub-maximal. By the same token, synergy can be masked if one or both components is present at such a high level (maximum level) as to result in maximum observable inhibition. The general system for a defensin-defensin combination is, therefore, termed “synergistic” because the potential for synergy is present even if synergy is not observed under all conditions. The synergy between two plant defensins provides greater fungal inhibition than can be obtained by either component acting alone, for at least some dosages. The present disclosure teaches increased protection of plants from fungal disease and insect infestation with reduced dependence on chemical fungicides or insecticides. This means decreased input cost to growers, a broader spectrum of activity against plant pathogens and reduced potential for environmental damage. In addition, the selection pressure for development of pathogenicide-resistant pathogen strains is greatly reduced, which allows for an extended commercial life as well as reduced proliferation of resistant fungus strains and reduced likelihood of emergence of multiple-resistant strains.

Hence, the method of the present disclosure is useful for reducing economic loss due to fungal or insect infection or infestation. It also facilitates amelioration of disease or symptoms of disease following pathogen exposure to human and non-human animal subjects.

In an aspect taught herein, a method is provided for the protection of a plant from a disease associated with a pathogen such as a fungal or insect agent, and that prevention or treatment results in decreased need for pathogenicide treatment of plants or plant parts, thus lowering costs of material, labor, and environmental pollution, or prolonging shelf-life of products (e.g. fruit, seed, and the like) of such plants.

In an embodiment, the pathogen is a fungus. Reference to a non-human animal subject includes a farm animal (e.g. cow, sheep, pig, horse, donkey, Llama, alpaca, avian animal), domestic animal (e.g. dogs, cat), laboratory test animal (e.g. mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, hamster, non-human primate) and captured wild animal.

The term “plant” includes whole plants and parts thereof, including, but not limited to, shoots, vegetative organs/structures (e.g. leaves, stems and tubers), roots, flowers and floral organs/structures (e.g. bracts, sepals, petals, stamens, carpels, anthers and ovules), seed (including embryo, endosperm, and seed coat) and fruit (the mature ovary), plant tissue (e.g. vascular tissue, ground tissue, and the like) and cells (e.g. guard cells, egg cells, and the like), and progeny of same. The plants that can be protected using the method herein described include higher and lower plants, including angiosperms (monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants), gymnosperms, ferns, horsetails, psilophytes, lycophytes, bryophyte, and multicellular algae. Plants for use in the subject method include any vascular plant, for example monocotyledons or dicotyledons or gymnosperms, including, but not limited to, corn (and maize), soybean, cotton, cottonseed, canola, wheat, alfalfa, apple, Arabidopsis, banana, barley, castor bean, chrysanthemum, clover, cocoa, coffee, crambe, cranberry, cucumber, dendrobium, dioscorea, eucalyptus, fescue, flax, gladiolus, liliacea, linseed, millet, muskmelon, mustard, oat, oil palm, oilseed rape (rape, rapa), papaya, peanut, pineapple, ornamental plants, Phaseolus, potato, rapeseed, rice, rye, ryegrass, safflower, sesame, sorghum, sugarbeet, sugarcane, sunflower, strawberry, tobacco, tomato, turfgrass and vegetable crops such as lettuce, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, cucurbits, onions (including garlic, shallots, leeks, and chives); fruit and nut trees, such as apple, pear, peach, orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, almond, pecan, walnut, hazelnut; vines, such as grapes, kiwifruit, hops; fruit shrubs and brambles, such as raspberry, blackberry, gooseberry; and forest trees, such as ash, pine, fir, maple, oak, chestnut and poplar.

Particular plants contemplated herein include corn, soybean, cotton, canola and wheat.

Reference to “insect pathogen” includes insects of the following phyla: Diatraea grandiosella, Ostrinia nubialis, Rhopalosiphum spp, Helicoverpa spp, Plutella xylostella and Lygus spp.

A “transgenic plant” refers to a plant, or seed thereof or its progeny, that contains genetic material not found (i.e. “exogenous”) in a wild-type plant of the same species, variety or cultivar. The genetic material may include a transgene, an insertional mutagenesis event (such as by transposon or T-DNA insertional mutagenesis), an activation tagging sequence, a mutated sequence, a homologous recombination event or a sequence modified by chimeraplasty. Typically, the foreign genetic material has been introduced into the plant by human manipulation, but any method can be used as one of skill in the art recognizes. The term “genetically modified plant” may also be used which has the same meaning as a “transgenic plant” in this context. In an embodiment, the plant or part thereof such as a seed is genetically modified to express one defensin and the second defensin is exogenously supplied such as a seed coating or a topical formulation.

A transgenic plant may contain an expression vector or cassette. The expression cassette typically comprises a polypeptide-encoding sequence operably linked (i.e. under regulatory control of) to appropriate inducible or constitutive regulatory sequences that allow for the expression of the polypeptide. The expression cassette can be introduced into a plant by transformation or by breeding after transformation of a parent plant. An example of a suitable expression cassette is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/753,072 [equivalent of PCT/AU2007/000712] the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The plant or plant part for use in the present method includes plants of any stage of plant development. Conveniently, the application occurs during the stages of germination, seedling growth, vegetative growth, and reproductive growth. Particular, applications of the present method occur during vegetative and reproductive growth stages. The stages of vegetative and reproductive growth are also referred to herein as “adult” or “mature” plants. A combination of plant genetic engineering and topical application of a defensin is also taught herein. Furthermore, one or other of the defensins may be introduced by genetic engineering means and the other is introduced by conventional breeding practices.

Whilst the present disclosure provides a method for protecting plants from fungal or insect infection using the synergistic action between a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin, it is understood that additional materials can be added to the combination to achieve even more benefit with respect to the health of the plant, for example, by incorporating a proteinase inhibitor, or a fungicidal or insecticidal protein, or by utilizing more than one of either or both of the two types of defensins. For example, the spectrum of activity against plant pathogens can potentially be expanded by using additional agents.

The defensin components are conveniently supplied by the plant that is to be protected after genetic modification, although the present method extends to surface sprays or seed coatings as well as incorporation in fertilizers and plant food. In an embodiment, the plant is genetically modified to express the desired two defensins using methods well-known in the art.

Plant protection (disease resistance or reduction) can be evaluated by methods known in the art. See, Uknes (1993) Molecular Plant Microbe Interactions 6-680-685; Gorlach et al. (1996) supra; Alexander et al. (1993) supra. The skilled artisan will recognize that methods for determining plant infection and disease by a plant pathogen depends on the pathogen and plant being tested.

Further enabled herein is a method for protecting a human or non-human animal subject from a disease associated with infection by a fungal or insect pathogen, the method comprising providing cells of the human or non-human animal with a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin or a precursor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of either or both in a synergistically effective amount to reduce infection by the pathogen.

The present disclosure further contemplates the use of a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin or a precursor form of either or both in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a fungal infestation in a human or non-human animal subject.

As indicated above, the Class I defensin may be a permeabilizing or non-permeabilizing defensin. Hence, one or two permeabilizing defensins may be used.

In an embodiment, the nucleic acid is operably linked to a promoter and introduced into the genome of a plant cell. Upon appropriate conditions, the promoter enables expression of the nucleic acid molecule to produce an mRNA which is then translated into the defensin protein. The plant cell is used to regenerate a plant which is referred to as a “genetically modified plant”. The genetic modification is the introduction of an expressible nucleic acid molecule to enable production of a defensin which in turn confers on cells of the plant, resistance to fungal pathogen infestation.

The nucleic acid sequences can be expressed in a plant cell. It is expected that those of skill in the art are knowledgeable in the numerous expression systems available for expression of a nucleic acid encoding a defensin protein. No attempt will be made to describe in detail the various methods known for the expression of proteins in plant cells.

As used herein, “heterologous” in reference to a nucleic acid is a nucleic acid that originates from a plant species or strain different to the intended recipient plant of the nucleic acid. For example, a promoter operably linked to a heterologous nucleotide sequence can be from a plant species different from that from which the nucleotide sequence was derived.

By a “genetically modified plant” is meant a plant comprising cells which comprise a heterologous nucleic acid sequence. It may be derived directly from a regenerated plant, its progeny or by a combination of genetic engineering and conventional breeding. A “heterologous” nucleic acid in this context means a nucleic acid encoding, one or other or both defensins and optionally a proteinase inhibitor or precursor form thereof.

The defensin sequences are generally provided in expression cassettes or DNA constructs for expression in the plant of interest. The cassette will include 5′ and 3′ regulatory sequences operably linked to a defensin sequence of the invention. By “operably linked” a functional linkage between a promoter and a second sequence, wherein the promoter sequence initiates and mediates transcription of the DNA sequence corresponding to the second sequence is intended. Generally, operably linked means that the nucleic acid sequences being linked are contiguous and, where necessary to join two protein coding regions, contiguous and in the same reading frame. The cassette may additionally contain at least one additional gene to be cotransformed into the organism. Alternatively, the additional gene(s) can be provided on multiple expression cassettes.

Such an expression cassette is provided with a plurality of restriction sites for insertion of the defensin sequence to be under the transcriptional regulation of the regulatory regions. The expression cassette may additionally contain selectable marker genes.

The expression cassette includes in the 5′-3′ direction of transcription, a transcriptional and translational initiation region, a defensin DNA sequence of the invention, and a transcriptional and translational termination region functional in plants. The transcriptional initiation region, the promoter, may be native or analogous or foreign or heterologous to the plant host. Additionally, the promoter may be the natural sequence or alternatively a synthetic sequence. By “foreign” is intended that the transcriptional initiation region is not found in the native plant into which the transcriptional initiation region is introduced. As used herein, a chimeric gene comprises a coding sequence operably linked to a transcription initiation region that is heterologous to the coding sequence.

Whilst it may be useful to express the sequences using heterologous promoters, native promoter sequences may also be use.

The termination region may be native with the transcriptional initiation region, may be native with the operably linked DNA sequence of interest, or may be derived from another source. Convenient termination regions are available from the Ti-plasmid of A. tumefaciens, such as the octopine synthase and nopaline synthase termination regions. See also Guerineau et al. (1991) Mol. Gen. Genet. 262:141-144; Proudfoot (1991) Cell 64:671-674; Sanfacon et al. (1991) Genes Dev. 5:141-149; Mogen et al. (1990) Plant Cell 2:1261-1272; Munroe et al. (1990) Gene 91:151-158; Ballas et al. (1989) Nucleic Acids Res. 17:7891-7903; and Joshi et al. (1987) Nucleic Acid Res. 15:9627-9639.

Where appropriate, the gene(s) may be optimized for increased expression in the transformed plant cell. That is, the genes can be synthesized using plant-preferred codons for improved expression. See, for example, Campbell and Gowri (1990) Plant Physiol. 92:1-11 for a discussion of host-preferred codon usage. Methods are available in the art for synthesizing plant-preferred genes. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,380,831, 5,436,391, and Murray et al. (1989) Nucleic Acids Res. 17:477-498.

Additional sequence modifications are known to enhance gene expression in a cellular host. These include elimination of sequences encoding spurious polyadenylation signals, exon-intron splice site signals, transposon-like repeats, and other such well-characterized sequences that may be deleterious to gene expression. The G-C content of the sequence may be adjusted to levels average for a given cellular host, as calculated by reference to known genes expressed in the host cell. When possible, the sequence is modified to avoid predicted hairpin secondary mRNA structures.

The expression cassettes may additionally contain 5′ leader sequences in the expression cassette construct. Such leader sequences can act to enhance translation. Translation leaders are known in the art and include: picornavirus leaders, for example, EMCV leader (Encephalomyocarditis 5′ noncoding region) (Elroy-Stein et al. (1989) PNAS USA 86:6126-6130); potyvirus leaders, for example, TEV leader (Tobacco Etch Virus) [Allison et al. (1986); MDMV leader (Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus); Virology 154:9-20], and human immunoglobulin heavy-chain binding protein (BiP), (Macejak et al. (1991) Nature 353:90-94); untranslated leader from the coat protein mRNA of alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV RNA 4) [Jobling et al. (1987) Nature 325:622-625]; tobacco mosaic virus leader (TMV) (Gallie et al. (1989) In Molecular Biology of RNA, ed. Cech (Liss, New York), pp. 237-256); and maize chlorotic mottle virus leader (MCMV) [Lommel et al. (1991) Virology 81:382-385]. See also, Della-Cioppa et al. (1987) Plant Physiol. 84:965-968. Other methods known to enhance translation can also be utilized, for example, introns, and the like.

In preparing the expression cassette, the various DNA fragments may be manipulated, so as to provide for the DNA sequences in the proper orientation and, as appropriate, in the proper reading frame. Toward this end, adapters or linkers may be employed to join the DNA fragments or other manipulations may be involved to provide for convenient restriction sites, removal of superfluous DNA, removal of restriction sites, or the like. For this purpose, in vitro mutagenesis, primer repair, restriction, annealing, resubstitutions, e.g., transitions and transversions, may be involved.

Generally, the expression cassette will comprise a selectable marker gene for the selection of transformed cells. Selectable marker genes are utilized for the selection of transformed cells or tissues. Marker genes include genes encoding antibiotic resistance, such as those encoding neomycin phosphotransferase II (NEO) and hygromycin phosphotransferase (HPT), as well as genes conferring resistance to herbicidal compounds, such as glyphosate, glufosinate ammonium, bromoxynil, imidazolinones, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate (2,4-D). See generally, Yarranton (1992) Curr. Opin. Biotech. 3:506-511; Christopherson et al. (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:6314-6318.

The above list of selectable marker genes is not meant to be limiting. Any selectable marker gene can be used.

A number of promoters can be used in the generation of expression constructs. The promoters can be selected based on the desired outcome. That is, the nucleic acids can be combined with constitutive, tissue-preferred, or other promoters for expression in the host cell of interest. Such constitutive promoters include, for example, the core promoter of the Rsyn7 promoter and other constitutive promoters disclosed in WO 99/43838 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,072,050; the core CaMV 35S promoter (Odell et al. (1985) Nature 313:810-812); rice actin (McElroy et al. (1990) Plant Cell 2:163-171); ubiquitin (Christensen et al. (1989) Plant Mol. Biol. 12:619-632 and Christensen et al. (1992) Plant Mol. Biol. 18:675-689); pEMU (Last et al. (1991) Theor. Appl. Genet. 81:581-588); MAS (Velten et al. (1984) EMBO J 3:2723-2730); ALS promoter (U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,026), and the like. Other constitutive promoters include, for example, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,608,149; 5,608,144; 5,604,121; 5,569,597; 5,466,785; 5,399,680; 5,268,463; 5,608,142; and 6,177,611. These references are incorporated herein by reference.

Further enabled herein is a multigene expression vehicle (MGEV) comprising a polynucleotide having 2 to 8 domain segments, each domain encoding a functional protein wherein at least one domain encodes a Class I defensin and at least one other domain encodes a permeabilizing defensin, each domain being joined to the next in a linear sequence by a linker sequence encoding a linker, peptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:86.

In an embodiment, at least one other domain encodes a proteinase inhibitor or a precursor form thereof. As indicated above, the MGEV vector is described in USSN 2007-0277263 which is incorporated herein by reference.

The linker peptide comprises the amino acid sequence X₁X₂X₃X₄X₅ (SEQ ID NO:86) wherein:

-   X₁=E or D -   X₂=E or D -   X₃=K or R -   X₄=K or R -   X₅=N or Q.

The method of transformation/transfection is not critical to the instant disclosure; various methods of transformation or transfection are currently available. As newer methods are available to transform crops or other host cells they may be directly applied. Accordingly, a wide variety of methods have been developed to insert a DNA sequence into the genome of a host cell to obtain the transcription and/Or translation of the sequence to effect phenotypic changes in the organism. Thus, any method, which provides for effective transformation/transfection may be employed.

Transformation protocols as well as protocols for introducing nucleotide sequences into plants may vary depending on the type of plant or plant cell, i.e., monocot or dicot, targeted for transformation. Suitable methods of introducing nucleotide sequences into plant cells and subsequent insertion into the plant genome include microinjection (Crossway et al. (1986) Biotechniques 4:320-334), electroporation (Riggs et al. (1986) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83:5602-5606, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. (Townsend et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,563,055; Zhao et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,981,840), direct gene transfer (Paszkowski et al. (1984) EMBO J. 3:2717-2722), and ballistic particle acceleration (see, for example, Sanford et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,050; Tomes et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,918; Tomes et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,886,244; Bidney et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,932,782; McCabe et al. (1988) Biotechnology 6:923-926); and Lec1 transformation (WO 00/28058). Also see Weising et al. (1988) Ann. Rev. Genet. 22:421-477; Sanford et al. (1987) Particulate Science and Technology 5:27-37 (onion); Christou et al. (1988) Plant Physiol. 87:671-674 (soybean); McCabe et al. (1988) supra (soybean); Finer and McMullen (1991) In Vitro Cell Dev. Biol. 27P:175-182 (soybean); Singh et al. (1998) Theor. Appl. Genet. 96:319-324 (soybean); Datta et al. (1990) Biotechnology 8:736-740 (rice); Klein et al. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:4305-4309 (maize); Klein et al. (1988) Biotechnology 6:559-563 (maize); Tomes, U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,855; Buising et al. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,322,783 and 5,324,646; Tomes et al. (1995) “Direct DNA Transfer into Intact Plant Cells via Microprojectile Bombardment,” in Plant Cell, Tissue, and Organ Culture: Fundamental Methods, ed. Gamborg (Springer-Verlag, Berlin) (maize); Klein et al. (1989) Plant Physiol. 91:440-444 (maize); Fromm et al. (1990) Biotechnology 8:833-839 (maize); Hooykaas-Van Slogteren et al. (1984) Nature (London) 311:763-764; Bowen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,736,369 (cereals); Bytebier et al. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84:5345-5349 (Liliaceae); De Wet et al. (1985) in The Experimental Manipulation of Ovule Tissues, ed. Chapman et al. (Longman, N.Y.), pp. 197-209 (pollen); Kaeppler et al. (1990) Plant Cell Reports 9:415-418 and Kaeppler et al. (1992) Theor. Appl. Genet. 84:560-566 (whisker-mediated transformation); D'Halluin et al. (1992) Plant Cell 4:1495-1505 (electroporation); Li et al. (1993) Plant Cell Reports 12:250-255 and Christou and Ford (1995) Annals of Botany 75:407-413 (rice); Ishida et al. (1996) Nature Biotechnology 14:745-750 (maize via Agrobacterium tumefaciens). These references are incorporated herein by reference, together with USSN 2010-0095408.

Purified defensin proteins can, if desired, be used or optionally combined with a proteinase inhibitor as a mixture, provided they can be formulated together or sequentially by separate application means. In a further embodiment, a multiplex approach is used where one of the components is engineered to be produced by the plant and the other component is exogenously supplied. These may be liberally applied or used on selected sites such as seed coatings or around the root tissue or surrounding soil.

In an aspect, the present disclosure teaches a method for the protection of a plant from a disease associated with a fungal pathogen and that prevention or treatment results in decreased need for pathogenicide treatment of plants or plant parts, thus lowering costs of material, labor, and environmental pollution, or prolonging shelf-life of products (e.g. fruit, seed, and the like) of such plants. The method requires genetically modifying a plant to express a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin or applying these defensins topically. The term “plant” includes whole plants and parts thereof, including, but not limited to, shoots, vegetative organs/structures (e.g. leaves, stems and tubers), roots, flowers and floral organs/structures (e.g. bracts, sepals, petals, stamens, carpels, anthers and ovules), seed (including embryo, endosperm, and seed coat) and fruit (the mature ovary), plant tissue (e.g. vascular tissue, ground tissue, and the like) and cells (e.g. guard cells, egg cells, and the like), and progeny of same.

Agronomically useful compositions suitable for use in the system disclosed herein include compositions wherein the active ingredient(s) are contained in an effective amount to achieve the intended purpose such compositions include seed coatings. Determination of the effective amounts is well within the capability of those skilled in the art, especially in light of the disclosure provided herein.

In addition to the active ingredients, these compositions for use in the antifungal method may contain suitable agronomically acceptable carriers comprising excipients and auxiliaries which facilitate processing of the active compounds into preparations which can be used in the field, in greenhouses or in the laboratory setting.

Antifungal formulations include aqueous solutions of the active compounds in water-soluble form. Additionally, suspensions of the active compounds may be prepared as appropriate oily suspensions. Suitable lipophilic solvents or vehicles include fatty oils such as sesame oil, or synthetic fatty acid esters, such as ethyl oleate or triglycerides, or liposomes. Aqueous injection suspensions may contain substances which increase the viscosity of the suspension, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sorbitol, or dextran. Optionally, the suspension may also contain suitable stabilizers or agents which increase the solubility of the compounds to allow for the preparation of highly concentrated solutions. Further components can include viscosifiers, gels, wetting agents, ultraviolet protectants, among others.

Preparations for surface application can be obtained by combining the active compounds with solid excipient, optionally grinding a resulting mixture, and processing the mixture of granules, after adding suitable auxiliaries, if desired, to obtain powders for direct application or for dissolution prior to spraying on the plants to be protected. Suitable excipients are, in particular, fillers such as sugars, including lactose, sucrose, mannitol, or sorbitol; cellulose or starch preparations, gelatin, gum tragacanth, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and/or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). If desired, disintegrating agents may be added, such as the cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, agar, or alginic acid or a salt thereof such as sodium alginate.

Whilst the instant disclosure is particularly directed to anti-phytopathogenic methods, the multivalent approach may also be used in human and non-human subjects, including farm animals and domestic animals. Generally, a topical approach is used in these circumstances. Commonly, the multivalent approach in human and non-human subjects target inter alia yeasts such as Candida and Cryptococcus, dermatophytes such as Trichophyton and other filamentous fungi including Aspergillus spp such as Aspergillus niger.

The present disclosure further teaches the use of a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin and optionally a proteinase inhibitor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of any one or all of these components in a human or non-human animal subject or its progeny resistant to fungal or insect pathogen infestation.

Further enabled herein is a method for protecting a human or non-human animal subject from a disease associated with infection by a pathogen, the method comprising providing cells of the place with a Class I defensin having a mature domain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:81, 83, 85, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, 66 and 69, a permeabilizing defensin having a mature domain selected from the listing consisting of NaD1, TPP3, PhD1A, PhD2, NoD173, SEQ ID NOs:3, 6, 12, 21, 24, 70, 71 and 72 or a precursor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of either or both.

Further enabled herein is a method for protecting a human or non-human animal subject from a disease associated with infection by a pathogen, the method comprising providing cells of the place with a Class I defensin having a mature domain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:81, 83, 85, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, 66 and 69, a permeabilizing defensin having a mature domain selected from the listing consisting of SEQ ID NOs:3, 6, 12, 21, 24, 70, 71 and 72 or a precursor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of either or both.

A topical composition for treating plants and human and non-human animal subjects is contemplated herein comprising a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin or a precursor or functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof or either or both. Additional excipients or carriers may also be included.

EXAMPLES

The present invention is further described in the following non-limiting Examples.

Methods,

Purification of Defensins from Pichia pastoris

A single pPINK-defensin P. pastoris PichiaPink (Trademark) strain 1 colony was used to inoculate 25 mL of BMG medium (described in the Invitrogen Pichia Expression Manual) in a 250 mL flask and that was incubated over for 2-3 days in a 30° C. shaking incubator (140 rpm). The culture was used to inoculate. 200 mL of BMG in a 1 L baffled flask which was placed in a 30° C. shaking incubator (140 rpm) overnight. The cells were harvested by centrifugation (2,500×g, 10 min, 4° C.) and resuspended into 1 L of BMM medium in a 5 L baffled flask and incubated in a 28° C. shaking incubator for 3 days. The cultures were induced at t=24 and 48 h. The expression medium was separated from cells by centrifugation (6000 rpm, 20 min). The medium was adjusted to pH 3.0 before it was applied to an SP Sepharose column (1 cm×1 cm, Amersham Biosciences) pre-equilibrated with 100 mM potassium phosphate buffer, pH 6.0. The column was then washed with 100 mL of 100 mM potassium phosphate buffer, pH 6.0 and bound protein was eluted in 10×10 mL of 100 mM potassium phosphate buffer containing 500 mMNaCl. Eluted proteins were concentrated down to 1 mL using a centrifugal column and washed 5× using sterile milli Q ultrapure water. The protein concentration of Pichia-expressed defensin was determined using the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) protein assay (Pierce Chemical Co.) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the protein standard.

Analysis of Antifungal Activity of Defensins

The inhibitory effects of each defensin on the growth of Fusarium graminearum (Giberellazea) (Fgr, Pioneer Hybrid International (PHI) isolate 73B1A), Fusarium oxysporum f sp. vasinfectum (Fov, Australian isolate VCG01111 isolated from cotton; from Farming Systems Institute, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, Queensland, Australia) or Colletotrichum graminicola (Cgr, PHI isolate Carroll-1A-9), Stenocarpella maydis (DAR51549) (NSW Department of Primary Industries Agricultural Scientific Collections Trust (ASCU) or Aspergillus niger (from School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia) was measured essentially as described by Broekaert et al. (1990) FEMS Microbiol Lett 69:55-59.

Spores were isolated from sporulating fungus spp. growing on synthetic nutrient poor agar (Fgr), V8 agar (Cgr, Fve), ½ strength potato dextrose broth agar (Fov, Aspergillus niger), yeast extract peptone dextrose agar (Candida albicans, Cryptococcus gattii) or ½ strength Sabouraud dextrose agar (Trichophyton interdigitale, Trichophyton rubrum). Spores were removed from the plates by the addition of ½ strength potato dextrose broth (PDB). Spore concentrations were measured using a haemocytometer.

10× stock solutions of each defensin were prepared in sterile water. The Tecan liquid handling robot was used to serially dilute each defensin and transfer 20 μl of each concentration in triplicate to a 96 well microtitre plate. Spores were added to each plate, 80 μl 5×10⁴ spores/ml in ½ strength PDB. The plates were incubated at 25° C. (Fgr, Cgr, Fve, Fov, F. solani, S. maydis, Aspergillus niger) or 30° C. (C. albicans, C. gattii, T. interdigitale, T. rubrum). Fungal growth was assayed by measuring optical density at 595 nm (A595) using a microtitre plate reader (SpectraMax Pro M2; Molecular Devices. Growth was allowed to proceed until the optical density (OD) of the fungus in the absence of any test defensin reached an OD of 0.2. Each test was performed in quadruplicate.

Permeabilization Assay

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp vasinfectum (Fov) or Fusarium graminearum (Fgr) were grown in half-strength PDB from a starting concentration of 5×10⁴ spores/mL for 18 hours at 25° C. Hyphal suspension (90 μL) was then transferred to 96-well microtitre plates and incubated with SYTOX (Registered Trade Mark) green (0.5 μM) for 10 minutes prior to the addition of 10 μL of peptide solution to give final protein concentration, of 10 μM (Fov) or 5 (Fgr). SYTOX green uptake (indicating permeabilization) was quantified by measuring fluorescence using a microtitre plate reader (SpectraMax M5e; Molecular Devices) with excitation and emission wavelengths of 488 nm and 538 nm, respectively. Readings were taken every 2 minutes for 2 hours. Example results of a permeabilization assay are shown in FIG. 1 and Table 12a.

A relative permeability index is herein defined wherein the degree of permeabilisation of a fungal strain induced by a defined concentration of a defensin is addressed, relative to a value of 1.0 for NaD1 at the same concentration.

FIG. 1 illustrates the relative uptake of SYTOX green into Fov hyphae after treatment with 10 μM NaD1, HXP4, HXL002, HXL007, HXL008 and DmAMP1. See also Table 12a. The defensins NaD1, HXP4, HXL002, HXL007 and HXL008 were able to permeabilize Fov hyphae while the defensin DmAMP1 was not. The relative permeability index of each defensin is presented in Table 12a. For the purposes of this invention, defensins with a relative permeability index of greater than 0.2 on Fov are considered permeabilizing.

FIG. 2 illustrates the relative uptake of SYTOX green into Fgr hyphae after treatment with 5 μM NaD1, HXP4, HXL001, HXL002, HXL004, HXL008, HXL009, HXL013, HXL021, Hordothionin and RsAFP2. The defensins NaD1, HXP4, HXL002, HXL004 and HXL008 caused significantly more permeabilisation of Fgr hyphae than the defensins HXL009, HXL021, hordothionin and RsAFP2. The relative permeability index of each defensin is presented in Table 12b. For the purposes of this invention, defensins with a relative permeability index of greater than 0.5 on Fgr are considered permeabilizing.

Production of Transgenic Plant Cells and/or Tissue

Techniques and agents for introducing and selecting for the presence of heterologous DNA in plant cells and/or tissue are well-known. Genetic markers allowing for the selection of heterologous DNA in plant cells are well-known, e.g. genes carrying resistance to an antibiotic such as kanamycin, hygromycin, gentamicin, or bleomycin. The marker allows for selection of successfully transformed plant cells growing in the medium containing the appropriate antibiotic because they will carry the corresponding resistance gene. In most cases the heterologous DNA which is inserted into plant cells contains a gene which encodes a selectable marker such as an antibiotic resistance marker, but this is not mandatory. An exemplary drug resistance marker is the gene whose expression results in kanamycin resistance, i.e. the chimeric gene containing nopaline synthetase promoter, Tn5 neomycin phosphotransferase II and nopaline synthetase 3′ non-translated region described by Rogers et al. (1988) Methods for Plant Molecular Biology.

Techniques for genetically engineering plant cells and/or tissue with an expression cassette comprising an inducible promoter or chimeric promoter fused to a heterologous coding sequence and a transcription termination sequence are to be introduced into the plant cell or tissue by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, electroporation, microinjection, particle bombardment or other techniques known to the art. The expression cassette advantageously further contains a marker allowing selection of the heterologous DNA in the plant cell, e.g. a gene carrying resistance to an antibiotic such as kanamycin, hygromycin, gentamicin, or bleomycin.

A DNA construct carrying a plant-expressible gene or other DNA of interest can be inserted into the genome of a plant by any suitable method. Such methods may involve, for example, the use of liposomes, electroporation, diffusion, particle bombardment, microinjection, gene gun, chemicals that increase free DNA uptake, e.g. calcium phosphate coprecipitation, viral vectors, and other techniques practiced in the art. Suitable plant transformation vectors include those derived from a Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, such as those disclosed by Herrera-Estrella et al. (1983) EMBO J 2:987-995; Bevan et al. (1983) Nucleic Acids Res 11(2):369-385; Klee et al. (1985) Bio/Technology 3:637-642 and EPO publication 120,516 (Schilperoort et al, European Patent Publication 120, 516). In addition to plant transformation vectors derived from the Ti or root-inducing (Ri) plasmids of Agrobacterium, alternative methods can be used to insert the DNA constructs of this invention into plant cells.

The choice of vector in which the DNA of interest is operatively linked depends directly, as is well known in the art, on the functional properties desired, e.g. replication, protein expression, and the host cell to be transformed, these being limitations inherent in the art of constructing recombinant DNA molecules. The vector desirably includes a prokaryotic replicon, i.e. a DNA sequence having the ability to direct autonomous replication and maintenance of the recombinant DNA molecule extra-chromosomally when introduced into a prokaryotic host cell, such as a bacterial host cell. Such replicons are well known in the art. In addition, preferred embodiments that include a prokaryotic replicon also include a gene whose expression confers a selective advantage, such as a drug resistance, to the bacterial host cell when introduced into those transformed cells. Typical bacterial drug resistance genes are those that confer resistance to ampicillin or tetracycline, among other selective agents. The neomycin phosphotransferase gene has the advantage that it is expressed in eukaryotic as well as prokaryotic cells.

Those vectors that include a prokaryotic replicon also typically include convenient restriction sites for insertion of a recombinant DNA molecule of the present invention. Typical of such vector plasmids are pUC8, pUC9, pBR322, and pBR329 available from BioRad Laboratories (Richmond, Calif.) and pPL, pK and K223 available from Pharmacia (Piscataway, N.J.), and pBLUESCRIPT tmand pBS available from Stratagene (La Jolla, Calif.). A vector of the present invention may also be a Lambda phage vector as known in the art or a Lambda ZAP vector (available from Stratagene La Jolla, Calif.). Another vector includes, for example, pCMU (Nilsson et al. (1989) Cell 58:707). Other appropriate vectors may also be synthesized, according to known methods; for example, vectors pCMU/Kb and pCMUII used in various applications herein are modifications of pCMUIV (Nilsson et al. (1989) supra).

Typical expression vectors capable of expressing a recombinant nucleic acid sequence in plant cells and capable of directing stable integration within the host plant cell include vectors derived from the tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

A transgenic plant can be produced by any standard means known to the art, including but not limited to Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated DNA transfer, preferably with a disarmed T-DNA vector, electroporation, direct DNA transfer, and particle bombardment. Techniques are well-known to the art for the introduction of DNA into monocots as well as dicots, as are the techniques for culturing such plant tissues and regenerating those tissues.

Synergy Classification

Synergy is classified as the difference between the observed % fungal growth inhibition caused by the combination of two defensins (Io value) and the expected % fungal growth inhibition of the two defensins based on the sum of the % fungal growth inhibition of each defensin on its own (Ee value calculated according to the Limpel formula used by Richer et al. (1987) supra). The difference, Io-Ee, is the synergy value. A synergy value up to 15 means no significant synergy; 15-30 is a low level of synergy; 30-60 is a medium level of synergy; and >60 is a high level of synergy.

Bioassay Method for in Planta Studies

Preparation of C. graminicola Inoculum

Colletotrichum graminicola (US isolate Carroll-1A-99) is isolated from Zea maize (Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. Johnston, Iowa, USA). Spores are isolated from sporulating cultures grown on V8 agar for approximately 2-3 Weeks. C. graminicola spores are collected by scraping the surface of the plates in sterile water and separating spores from hyphal matter by filtration through facial tissue. The concentration of spores in the filtrate is measured using a haemocytometer.

Preparation of F. graminearum Inoculum

Fusarium graminearum isolate (73B1A) is isolated from Zea maize (Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. Johnston, Iowa, USA). Spores are isolated from sporulating cultures grown on SNP agar for approximately 2-3 Weeks. F. graminearum spores are collected by scraping the surface of the plates in sterile water. The concentration of spores is measured using a haemocytometer.

Inoculation of Maize Plants

Plants for bioassay are grown in the glasshouse for approximately 8-10 weeks after deflasking.

C. Gramincola Inoculation

Two wounds, 2.0 mm in length are made on opposing sides of the maize leaf sheath and then overlaid with 1×10⁶ C. graminicola spores/mL. Wounds are then sealed with Glad Press′n′Seal for three days. The area of infection is measured by digital photography 10 days post inoculation.

F. graminearum Inoculation

Two wounds, 2.0 mm in length are made on opposing sides of the maize leaf sheath. Wounds are overlaid 6 mm diameter paper discs dipped in 1×10⁶ F. graminearums pores/mL. Wounds are then sealed with Glad Press′n′Seal for three days. The area of infection is measured by digital photography 10 days post inoculation.

Analysis of Transgene Expression in Corn Plants ELISA Method

Protein extract: leaf sheaths are excised from plants grown in the glasshouse. The tissue (50 mg) is frozen in liquid nitrogen and ground in a mixer mill (Retsch MM300) for 2×15 seconds at frequency 30 s⁻¹. Protein extracts are made by adding 450 μL 2% insoluble PVPP (Polyclar)/PBS/0.05% v/v Tween 20 and vortexing for 20 seconds. The samples are centrifuged for 10 minutes and the supernatant is collected.

ELISA plates (NuncMaxisorp #442404) are incubated with 100 μL/well of primary antibody in PBS (100 ng/well of anti-defensin antibody). Plates are incubated overnight at 4° C. in a humid box. They are then washed for 2 minutes×4 with PBS/0.05% v/v Tween 20. Plates are blocked with 200 μL/well 3% w/v BSA (Sigma A-7030: 98% ELISA grade) in PBS and incubated for 2 hours at 25° C. Plates are then washed for 2 minutes×4 with PBS/0.05% v/v Tween 20.

Corn sheath protein extracts (100 μL/well diluted in PBS/0.05% v/v Tween 20) are then applied to the plates which are then incubated for 2 hours at 25° C. Plates are then washed for 2 minutes×4 with PBS/0.05% v/v Tween 20 and then 100 μL/well of secondary antibody in PBS (e.g. 75 ng/well biotin-labeled defensin antibody) is applied. The biotin labeled antibody is prepared using the EZ-link Sulfo-NHS-LC-biotinylation kit (Pierce); 2 mL of protein A purified antibody and 2 mg of the biotin reagent are used. Plates are incubated for 1 hour at 25° C. and then washed for 2 minutes×4 with PBS/0.05% v/v Tween 20 and 100 μL/well of NeutriAvidin HRP-conjugate (Pierce #31001; 1:1000 dilution; 0.1 μL/well) in PBS is applied. The plates are incubated for 1 hour at 25° C. and then washed for 2 minutes×2 with PBS/0.05% v/v Tween 20, followed by 2 minutes×2 with H₂O. Just before use, the substrate is prepared by dissolving 1 ImmunoPure OPD tablet (Pierce #34006) in 9 mL H₂O, then adding 1 mL stable peroxide buffer (10×, Pierce #34062). The substrate is applied at 100 μL/well and plates are incubated at 25° C. until color develops. The reaction is stopped by applying 50 μL 2.5 M sulfuric acid. Absorbance at 490 nm is measured in a plate reader (Molecular Devices).

Example 1 Inhibition of the Growth of Fungal Pathogens in, the Presence of a Permeabilizing Defensin and a Class I Defensin In Vitro

The inhibitory effects of a permeabilizing defensin in combination with a Class I defensin on the growth of Fusarium graminearum (Giberellazea) (Fgr, Pioneer Hybrid International (PHI) isolate 73B1A), Fusarium oxysporum f sp. vasinfectum (Fov, Australian isolate VCG01111 isolated from cotton; from Farming Systems Institute, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, Queensland, Australia), Fusarium solani (from School of Botany, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia), Colletotrichum graminicola (Cgr, PHI isolate Carroll-1A-9), Stenocarpella maydis (DAR51549) (NSW Department of Primary Industries Agricultural Scientific Collections Trust (ASCU) Aspergillus niger (from School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia), Candida albicans (isolate DAY185, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia), Cryptococcus gattii (isolate BAL11), Trychophyton interdigitale or Trychophyton rubrum (both obtained from the National Mycology. Reference Centre, South Australia Pathology at the Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia) was measured essentially as described by Broekaert et al. (1990) supra.

Spores were isolated from sporulating fungus spp. growing on synthetic nutrient poor agar (Fgr), V8 agar (Cgr), ½ strength potato dextrose broth agar (Fov. Aspergillus niger), yeast extract peptone dextrose agar (Candida albicans, Cryptococcus gattii) or ½ strength Sabouraud dextrose agar (Trichophyton interdigitale, Trichophyton rubrum). Spores were removed from the plates by the addition of ½ strength potato dextrose broth (PDB). Spore concentrations were measured using a haemocytometer.

Antifungal assays were conducted in 96 well microtitre plates essentially as described in the detailed description (Analysis of antifungal activity of defensins). Wells were loaded with 10 μL of filter sterilized (0.22 μm syringe filter, Millipore) defensin 1 (10× stock for each final concentration) or water, 10 μL of filter sterilized (0.22 μm syringe filter, Millipore) defensin 2 (10× stock for each final concentration) or water and 80 μL of 5×10⁴ spores/mL in ½ strength PDB. The plates were incubated at 25° C. (Fgr, Cgr, Fov, F. solani, S. maydis, Aspergillus niger) or 30° C. (C. albicans, C. gattii, T. interdigitale, T. rubrum). Fungal growth was assayed by measuring optical density at 595 nm (A595) using a microtitre plate reader (SpectraMax Pro M2; Molecular Devices. Growth was allowed to proceed until the optical density (OD) of the fungus in the absence of any test defensin reached an OD of 0.2. Each test was performed in duplicate.

Synergy is classified as the difference between the observed % fungal growth inhibition caused by the combination of two defensins (Jo value) and the expected % fungal growth inhibition of the two defensins based on the sum of the % fungal growth inhibition of each defensin on its own (Ee value calculated according to the Limpel formula used by Richer et al. (1987) supra). The difference, Io-Ee, is the synergy value. A synergy value up to 15 means no significant synergy; 15-30 is a low level of synergy; 30-60 is a medium level of synergy; and >60 is a high level of synergy. Synergy calculations are presented in Tables 3 through 11 wherein, as indicated above, Ee is the expected effect from the additive response according to Limpel's formula expressed as percent inhibition and Io is the percent inhibition observed. Synergy occurs when Io values are higher than Ee values.

Results

The results are shown in Tables 3 through 11.

Example 2

In Planta Synergy of IMP 4 with SBI6 Against Fusarium graminearum and Colletotrichum graminicola

Transgenic corn plants are produced by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation or particle bombardment using standard protocols such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,981,840; U.S. Pat. No. 7,528,293; U.S. Pat. No. 7,589,176; U.S. Pat. No. 7,785,828; Frame et al. (2002) Plant Physiology 129:13-22. A binary vector containing GAT as the selectable marker, a ubiquitin promoter for constitutive expression and a codon optimized sequence encoding either HXP4, SBI6 or HXP4+SBI6 (via a double expression vector) is transferred into an Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain by electroporation. Immature corn embryos are infected via immersion in a suspension of Agrobacterium followed by a period of co-culture on a solid medium. The embryos are then optionally “rested” during which time they are incubated in the presence of at least one antibiotic which inhibits the growth of Agrobacterium. Next, transformed callus is obtained by culturing the infected embryos on solid medium containing glyphosphate which inhibits the growth of non-transformed cells. Transformed callus is then able to be regenerated into plants using standard methods. Plants expressing both HXP4 and SBI6 may also be generated via a cross of individual events.

Levels of HXP4 and SBI6 expression in PCR positive plants are determined, for example, by ELISA screening (see Methods). Plants expressing HXP4>10 ppm and/or SBI6 at >0.9 ppm are assessed for increased resistance to Fusarium graminearum and Colletotrichum graminicola using the bioassay described in the Methods.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features.

TABLE 3 Fusarium graminearum Permeabilizing Expected Observed defensin Class I defensin inhibition inhibition Synergy NaD1 (0.5 μM) Hordothionin (2 μM) 26.3 93 66.7 Zeathionin-2 (2 μM) 36.3 86.2 49.9 PsD1 (2 μM) 0 75.5 75.5 HXL004 (2 μM) 18.6 70.5 51.9 HXL001 (0.5 μM) 54.0 100.0 46.0 SBI6 (2 μM) 0 80.3 80.3 HXL008 (0.5 μM) 0 91.5 91.5 HXL009 (1 μM) 0 72.3 72.3 HXL012 (1 μM) 16.7 93.4 76.7 HXL015 (0.25 μm) 0 44.7 44.7 HXL021 (0.3 μM) 4.9 70.4 65.5 RsAFP2 (0.125 μM) 21.5 67.2 45.7 HXL002 (0.5 μM) 39.2 93.3 54.0 NaD1 (0.25 μM) SBI6 (0.5 μM) 21.5 52.1 30.5 HXP4 (0.125 μM) Hordothionin (1 μM) 18.4 90.3 71.9 Zeathionin-2 (1 μM) 12.7 85.4 72.7 SBI6 (2 μM) 22.5 87.2 64.7 VP45 (0.5 μM) 11.2 93.3 82.1 SBI6 (1 μM) 19.3 90.8 71.5 HXL008 (0.25 μM) 34.5 97.8 63.3 HXL009 (0.25 μM) 33.4 93.1 59.7 HXL012 (0.25 μM) 49.6 92.5 42.9 HXL015 (0.125 μm) 41.9 91.3 49.4 HXL021 (0.125 μM) 38.8 90.4 51.6 RsAFP2 (0.125 μM) 58.8 89.9 31.1 HXP4 (0.125 μM) HXL012 (0.5 μM) 8.4 80.7 72.3 HXL015 (1 μM) 17 94.2 77.2 TPP3 (0.2 μM) Hordothionin (1 μM) 5.9 85.9 80 PHI-004 (2 μM) 0 67 67 SBI6 (1 μM) 16.2 68.6 52.4 HXL001 (0.5 μM) Hordothionin (4 μM) 17.7 78.9 61.2 HXL004 (4 μM) 6.1 69.4 63.3 HXL010 (4 μM) 14.2 60 45.8 Zeathionin-2 (4 μM) 3.2 43.2 40 HXL001 (1 μM) HXL015 (0.5 μM) 10 93.9 83.9 HXL021 (0.25 μM) 7.6 91.5 83.9 HXL007 (0.5 μM) Hordothionin (4 μM) 20.8 74.3 53.5 HXL004 (4 μM) 4.9 67.2 62.3 HXL010 (4 μM) 12.7 62.2 49.5 Zeathionin-2 (4 μM) 9.9 54.4 44.5 HXL008 (0.5 μM) Hordothionin (4 μM) 14.9 74.6 59.7 HXL004 (0.5 μM) HXL012 (1 μM) 0 55.2 55.2 HXL015 (1 μM) 12 98.3 86.3 HXL008 (0.5 μM) 28.2 73.6 45.4 HXL009 (2 μM) 37.8 60.2 22.4 SBI6 (4 μM) 4.1 82.5 78.4

TABLE 4 Colletotrichum graminicola Permeabilizing Expected Observed Syn- defensin Class I defensin inhibition inhibition ergy NaD1 (1.25 μM) SBI6 (0.5 μM) 24.7 92.1 67.4 HXL008 (2 μM) 14.3 46.3 32.0 NaD1 (5 μM) Hordothionin (4 μM) 0 80.6 80.6 Zeathionin-2 (4 μM) 19.5 81.6 62.1 DmAMP1 (2 μM) 13.9 61.1 47.2 HXP4 (1.25 μM) HXL008 (2 μM) 19.9 77.0 57.1 HXL009 (2 μM) 9.5 38.3 28.8 HXP4 (2.5 μM) Hordothionin (2 μM) 11.3 41.9 30.6 Zeathionin-2 (2 μM) 8.4 21.1 12.7 SBI6 (2 μM) 22.5 87.2 64.7 PsD1 (4 μM) 29.9 50.9 21 PhD2 (5 μM) Hordothionin (2 μM) 42.2 70.8 28.6 Zeathionin-2 (2 μM) 35.5 55.5 20 TPP3 (2 μM) Hordothionin (1 μM) 0 86.3 86.3 HXL004 (4 μM) 6.9 51.9 45 SBI6 (1 μM) 0 28.7 28.7 HXL008 (2.5 μM) Hordothionin (2 μM) 6.3 95.4 89.1 HXL004 (4 μM) 0 76.4 76.4 HXL010 (4 μM) 13 46.6 33.6 Zeathionin-2 (4 μM) 1.5 29.7 28.2 HXL001 (2.5 μM) Hordothionin (2 μM) 0 59.8 59.8 HXL004 (4 μM) 2.6 44.7 42.1 HXL002 (2.5 μM) HXL008 (4 μM) 20.9 84.6 63.7 HXL012 (1 μM) 39.4 86.4 47 SBI6 (4 MM) 43.5 84.8 41.3 RsAFP2 (4 μM) 8.4 57.9 49.5 HXL004 (1.25 μM) Hordothionin (2 μM) 21 57.6 36.6 RsAFP2 (4 μM) 20.9 66.9 46 HXL008 (1 μM) 26.5 87.8 61.3 HXL012 (1 μM) 30.7 79.7 49 SBI6 (2 μM) 10.1 55.3 45.2 HXL015 (2 μM) 44.5 80.1 35.6

TABLE 5 Fusarium solani Permeabilizing Expected Observed defensin Class I defensin inhibition inhibition Synergy HXP4 (0.125 μM) SBI6 (2 μM) 0 81.4 81.4

TABLE 6 Aspergillus niger Permeabilizing Expected Observed defensin Class I defensin inhibition inhibition Synergy NaD1 (3 μM) SBI6 (2 μM) 31.9 93.8 61.9

TABLE 7 Stenocarpella maydis Permeabilizing Expected Observed defensin Class I defensin inhibition inhibition Synergy HXP4 (1.25 μM) SBI6 (2 μM) 44.2 78.9 34.7

TABLE 8 Candida albicans Permeabilizing Expected Observed defensin Class I defensin inhibition inhibition Synergy NaD1 (4 μM) HXL008 (4 μM) 43 95.3 52.3 HXL009 (4 μM) 46 97.6 51.6 SBI6 (1 μM) 18.4 93 74.6 HXL021 (4 μM) 24.3 87.6 63.3 NaD1 (2 μM) HXL012 (1 μM) 26.4 94.3 67.9 HXL015 (2 μM) 11.9 99.3 87.4 Hordothionin (4 μM) 0.7 87.9 87.2 RsAFP2 (4 μM) 12.2 43.6 31.4 HXP4 (2 μM) HXL008 (4 μM) 23.4 100 76.6 HXL009 (4 μM) 0 83.4 83.4 HXL012 (0.5 μM) 0 98.6 98.6 SBI6 (2 μM) 0 96.5 96.5 HXL015 (1 μM) 7.8 98.8 91 Hordothionin (2 μM) 13.2 91 77.8 RsAFP2 (4 μM) 38.1 74.8 36.7 HXL021 (4 μM) 0 76.5 76.5 HXL001 (4 μM) HXL008 (4 μM) 16.3 92.8 76.5 HXL009 (4 μM) 20.7 51.2 30.5 HXL012 (1 μM) 15.5 94.4 78.9 SBI6 (2 μM) 35.8 97.6 61.8 HXL015 (2 μM) 50.2 100 49.8 Hordothionin (2 μM) 23.9 82.7 58.8 RsAFP2 (4 μM) 34.5 95.5 61 HXL021 (4 μM) 34.6 87.9 53.3 HXL002 (4 μM) HXL008 (4 μM) 6.5 93 86.5 HXL012 (1 μM) 26.4 100 73.6 SBI6 (2 μM) 48.2 86 37.8 HXL015 (2 μM) 18.6 100 81.4 Hordothionin (2 μM) 7.3 80 72.7 RsAFP2 (4 μM) 11.8 87.8 76 HXL021 (4 μM) 15.4 79.3 63.9 HXL004 (2 μM) HXL008 (4 μM) 24 87.2 63.2 HXL012 (1 μM) 1 85.4 84.4 SBI6 (2 μM) 0 79.6 79.6 HXL015 (2 μM) 20.1 90 69.9 Hordothionin (4 μM) 3.3 89.7 86.4 RsAFP2 (4 μM) 23 87.6 64.6 HXL021 (4 μM) 0 82.2 82.2

TABLE 9 Cryptococcus gattii Permeabilizing Expected Observed defensin Class I defensin inhibition inhibition Synergy NaD1 (1 μM) HXL008 (2 μM) 52.8 100 47.2 HXL009 (2 μM) 47.4 99.5 52.1 HXL012 (1 μM) 34.7 99.3 64.6 SBI6 (2 μM) 6.5 88.8 82.3 HXL015 (1 μM) 41.8 75.5 67.9 Hordothionin (4 μM) 66.4 88.2 21.8 HXP4 (0.5 μM) HXL008 (1 μM) 47.7 99 51.3 HXL009 (1 μM) 49.4 100 50.6 HXL012 (0.5 μM) 26.3 99 72.7 SBI6 (2 μM) 34.2 95.2 61 Hordothionin (2 μM) 23.8 69.4 45.6 RsAFP2 (4 μM) 53.8 100 46.2 HXL001 (1 μM) HXL012 (1 μM) 15.8 95.8 80 HXL002 (1 μM) HXL008 (4 μM) 8.6 100 91.4 HXL009 (2 μM) 29.9 84.6 54.7 HXL012 (1 μM) 23.1 100 76.9 SBI6 (2 μM) 18.8 91.9 73.1 HXL015 (1 μM) 0 100 100 Hordothionin (2 μM) 12.4 97.7 85.3 RsAFP2 (4 μM) 26.3 85.2 58.9 HXL021 (2 μM) 29.2 58 28.8 HXL004 (1 μM) HXL008 (2 μM) 0.5 71 70.5 HXL012 (1 μM) 26.5 97.3 70.8 SBI6 (2 μM) 33 87 54 HXL015 (1 μM) 0 99 99 Hordothionin (2 μM) 8 62.9 54.9 HXL021 (2 μM) 11.1 90.5 79.4

TABLE 10 Trichophyton interdigitale Permeabilising Expected Observed defensin Class I defensin inhibition inhibition Synergy HXP4 (0.5 μM) Hordothionin (2 μM) 51.9 87.1 35.2 HXL008 (0.25 μM) 34.7 67.7 33.0 NaD1 (0.5 μM) Hordothionin (1 μM) 9.8 33.7 23.9 HXL009 (0.5 μM) 28 61.2 33.2 HXL008 (0.25 μM) 29.7 72.6 42.9 HXL004(1 μM) 22.2 56.2 34.0 HXL001 (0.5 μM) RsAFP2 (0.5 μM) 5.9 30.6 24.7 Hordothionin(2 μM) 48 76.5 28.5 HXL001 (1 μM) HXL008(0.25 μM) 10.6 51.6 41.0 HXL002 (0.5 μM) Hordothionin(2 μM) 50.2 85.3 35.1 HXL008(0.25 μM) 27.7 69.7 42.0 HXL004 (1 μM) Hordothionin(2 μM) 57.5 93.6 36.1 HXL008(0.25 μM) 23.0 70.4 47.4

TABLE 11 Trichophytonrubrum Permeabilizing Expected Observed defensin Class I defensin inhibition inhibition Synergy NaD1 (1 μM) HXL009 (2 μM) 50.8 70.2 19.4 HXL004 (1 μM) HXL008 (0.25 μM) 18.3 51.7 33.4

TABLE 12a Permeability Defensin index HXL007 1.2 350 NaD1 1.0 300 HXL002 0.9 260 HXL008 0.8 225 HXP4 0.7 220 DmAMP1 0.0 0

TABLE 12b Permeability Defensin index HXL004 1.6 500 HXL013 1.4 450 HXP4 1.3 400 NaD1 1.0 320 HXL002 1.0 320 HXL001 0.9 300 HXL008 0.9 300 HXL021 0.5 150 HXL009 0.4 120 Hordothionin 0.4 120 RsAFP2 0.3 100

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1. A method for protecting a subject from a disease associated with infection by a pathogen, said method comprising providing cells of said subject with a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin or a precursor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of either or both.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the extent of pathogen inhibition provided by the first and second components combined is synergistic compared to the inhibition provided by either component in individual contact with the pathogen at the same dose used in a combined contact.
 3. The method of claim 1 or 2 wherein the subject is a plant.
 4. The method of claim 1 or 2 wherein the subject is a human or non-human animal.
 5. The method of claim 3 wherein both defensins are produced by a genetically modified plant cell and wherein neither is produced by the plant cell prior to genetic modification.
 6. The method of claim 3 wherein both defensins are applied topically to the plant or via the plant's root system as a seed coating or as a surface spray.
 7. The method of claim 4 wherein both defensins are applied topically to the subject.
 8. The method of claim 3 wherein one of the defensins is produced by the cell and the other of the defensin or a precursor form thereof or functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof is applied topically to the plant or via the plant's root system as a seed coating or as a surface spray.
 9. The method of claim 1 or 2 further comprising the provisions of a proteinase inhibitor or precursor form thereof.
 10. The method of claim 1 or 2 wherein the Class I defensin is selected from the list consisting of hordothionin (γ1-H), zeathionin (γ-Zea2), PsD1, DmAMP1, SBI6, PPQ1, VP42, VP45, VP135, FPY1, RsAFP2, MsDef1, MtDef2, MtDef4, HsAFP1, VaD2, VrD2, ZmESR6 and a HXL defensin.
 11. The method of claim 1 or 2 wherein the permeabilizing defensin is NaD1, TPP3, PhD1A, PhD2, NoD173, HXL001, HXL002, HXL004, HXL007, HXL008, HXP4, HXP34 or HXP35.
 12. The method of claim 1 or 2 wherein the defensins are selected from the list consisting of HXP4, NaD1, HXL004, HXL001 and HXL008 as a permeabilizing defensin and HXL012, HXL015, SB16, HXL009, HXL008 and HXL021 as the Class I defensin.
 13. The method of claim 8 wherein the proteinase inhibitor is selected from the list comprising a series proteinase inhibitor, a cysteine proteinase inhibitor, a phytocystatin, a cystatin and a proteinase inhibitor.
 14. The method of claim 1 wherein the pathogen is a fungus.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the fungus is a filamentous fungus.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the filamentous fungus is selected from the group comprising Fusarium, Sclerotinia, Pythium, Verticillium and Phytopthera.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the fungus is selected from the list comprising Fusarium graminearum (Fgr), Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (Fov), Colletotrichum graminicola (Cgr), Leptosphaeria maculans, Alternaria brassicicola, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus nidulans, Botrytis cinerea, Cercospora beticola, Cercospora zeae maydis, Cochliobolus heterostrophus, Exserohilum turcicum, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. dianthi, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, Fusarium solani, Fusarium pseudo graminearum, Fusarium verticilloides (Fve), Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici, Plasmodiophora brassicae, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Stenocarpella (Diplodia) maydis, Thielaviopsis basicola, Verticillium dahliae, Ustilago zeae, Puccinia sorghi, Macrophomina phaseolina, Phialophora gregata, Diaporthe phaseolorum, Cercospora sojina, Phytophthora sojae, Rhizoctonia solani, Phakopsora pachyrhizi, Alternaria macrospora, Cercospora gossypina, Phoma exigua, Puccinia schedonnardii, Puccinia cacabata, Phymatotrichopsis omnivora, Fusarium avenaceum, Alternaria brassicae, Alternaria raphani, Erysiphe graminis (Blumeria graminis), Septoria tritici, Septoria nodorum, Mycosphaerella zeae, Rhizoctonia cerealis, Ustilago tritici, Puccinia graminis, Puccinia triticina, Tilletia indica, Tilletia caries, and Tilletia controversa.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein the fungus is selected from the list comprising Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (Fov), Colletotrichum graminicola, Leptosphaeria maculans, Alternaria brassicicola, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea, Candida, Cercospora beticola, Cercospora zeae maydis, Cochliobolus heterostrophus, Cryptococcus, Exserohilum turcicum, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. dianthi, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, Fusarium solani, Fusarium pseudo graminearum, Fusarium verticilloides, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici, Plasmodiophora brassicae, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Stenocarpella (Diplodia) maydis, Thielaviopsis basicola, Verticillium dahliae, Ustilago zeae, Puccinia sorghi, Macrophomina phaseolina, Phialophora gregata, Diaporthe phaseolorum, Cercospora sojina, Phytophthora sojae, Rhizoctonia solani, Phakopsora pachyrhizi, Alternaria macrospora, Cercospora gossypina, Phoma exigua, Puccinia schedonnardii, Puccinia cacabata, Phymatotrichopsis omnivora, Fusarium avenaceum, Alternaria brassicae, Alternaria raphani, Erysiphe graminis (Blumeria graminis), Septoria tritici, Septoria nodorum, Mycosphaerella zeae, Rhizoctonia cerealis, Ustilago tritici, Puccinia graminis, Puccinia triticina, Tilletia indica, Tilletia caries, Tilletia controversa, Trichophyton interdigitale, Trichophyton rubrum, Zea mays, Triticum aestivum, Nicotiana benthaminana, Taraxacum kok-saghyz, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, Picramnia pentrandra, Eucalyptus grandis, Amaranthus retroflexus, Glycine max, Tulipa gesneriana, Oryza sativa, Parthenium argentatum, Arachis hypogaea, Solanum lycopersicum, Medicago truncatula, Hordeum vulgare, Raphanus sativus, Dahlia merckii, Medicago sativa, Pisum sativum, Heucheras anguinea, Vigna angularis, Vigna radiata and Nicotiana occidentalis spp oblique.
 19. The method of claim 4 wherein the pathogen is selected from a Candida, Cryptococus, Trichophyton, and Aspergillus.
 20. The method of claim 1 wherein the pathogen is an insect.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein the insect is selected from Diatraea grandiosella, Ostrinia nubialis, Rhopalosiphum spp, Helicoverpa spp, Plutella xylostella and Lygus spp.
 22. The method of claim 3 wherein the plant is a monocotyledon or dicotyledon.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein the plant is selected from the list comprising monocotyledons or dicotyledons or gymnosperms, including, but not limited to, corn (and maize), soybean, cotton, cottonseed, canola, wheat, alfalfa, apple, Arabidopsis, banana, barley, castor bean, chrysanthemum, clover, cocoa, coffee, crambe, cranberry, cucumber, dendrobium, dioscorea, eucalyptus, fescue, flax, gladiolus, liliacea, linseed, millet, muskmelon, mustard, oat, oil palm, oilseed rape (rape, rapa), papaya, peanut, pineapple, ornamental plants, Phaseolus, potato, rapeseed, rice, rye, ryegrass, safflower, sesame, sorghum, sugarbeet, sugarcane, sunflower, strawberry, tobacco, tomato, turfgrass and vegetable crops such as lettuce, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, cucurbits, onions (including garlic, shallots, leeks, and chives); fruit and nut trees, such as apple, pear, peach, orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, almond, pecan, walnut, hazel; vines, such as grapes, kiwi, hops; fruit shrubs and brambles, such as raspberry, blackberry, gooseberry; and forest trees, such as ash, pine, fir, maple, oak, chestnut and poplar.
 24. The method of claim 22 wherein the plant is selected from the list comprising a crop plant, forage crop, oilseed crop, grain crop, fruit crop, vegetable crop, fiber crop, spice crop, nut crop, turf crop, sugar crop, beverage crop, and a forest crop.
 25. The method of claim 24 wherein the crop plant is soybean, wheat, corn, cotton or wheat.
 26. The method of claim 25 wherein the plant is cotton.
 27. Use of a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin in the manufacture of a genetically modified plant which is less susceptible to a pathogen infection-associated damage.
 28. Use of a Class I defensin and permeabilizing defensin both in the manufacture of a composition to protect a plant or human or non-human animal subject from pathogen infection-associated damage.
 29. Use of claim 27 or 28 wherein the pathogen is a fungus or an insect.
 30. Use of claim 29 further comprising use of a proteinase inhibitor or precursor form thereof.
 31. A genetically modified plant or progeny thereof which is resistant to a pathogen infection, the plant comprising cells genetically engineered to produce a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin.
 32. The genetically modified plant or progeny of claim 31 further genetically engineered to produce a proteinase inhibitor.
 33. An artificially created genetic construct in the form of a multigene expression vehicle (MGEV) comprising a polynucleotide having 2 to 8 segments, each domain encoding a functional protein, wherein at least one domain encodes a Class I defensin and at least one domain encodes a permeabilizing defensin, each domain joined to the next in a linear sequence by a linker segment encoding a linker peptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:86, the domain and linker segments all being in the same reading frame.
 34. A method for protecting a plant from a disease associated with infection by a pathogen, said method comprising providing cells of the plant with a Class I defensin having a mature domain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:81, 83, 85, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, 66 and 69 and a permeabilizing defensin having a mature domain selected from the listing consisting of NaD1, TPP3, PhD1A, PhD2, NoD173, SEQ ID NOs:3, 6, 12, 21, 24, 70, 71 and 72 or a precursor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of either or both.
 35. A method for protecting a plant from a disease associated with infection by a pathogen, said method comprising providing cells of the plant with a Class I defensin having a mature domain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:81, 83, 85, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, 66 and 69 and a permeabilizing defensin having a mature domain selected from the listing consisting of SEQ ID NOs:3, 6, 12, 21, 24, 70, 71 and 72 or a precursor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of either or both.
 36. method for protecting a human or non-human animal subject from a disease associated with infection by a pathogen, said method comprising providing cells of the plant with a Class I defensin having a mature domain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:81, 83, 85, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, 66 and 69 and a permeabilizing defensin having a mature domain selected from the listing consisting of NaD1, TPP3, PhD1A, PhD2, NoD173, SEQ ID NOs:3, 6, 12, 21, 24, 70, 71 and 72 or a precursor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of either or both.
 37. A method for protecting a human or non-human animal subject from a disease associated with infection by a pathogen, said method comprising providing cells of the plant with a Class I defensin having a mature domain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:81, 83, 85, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, 66 and 69 and a permeabilizing defensin having a mature domain selected from the listing consisting of SEQ ID NOs:3, 6, 12, 21, 24, 70, 71 and 72 or a precursor or a functional homolog, analog, derivative or variant thereof of either or both.
 38. The genetic construct of claim 33 wherein at least one other domain encodes a proteinase inhibitor or a precursor form thereof.
 39. A topical composition comprising a Class I defensin and a permeabilizing defensin for use in treating or preventing fungal or insect infestation of a plant.
 40. The topical composition of claim 38 wherein the composition is a seed coating. 